Crave (Talon Security #1)(17)

I could picture Trav doing something like that.

“After he got me safely tucked away, he reamed my security and all but fired them on sight.”

I could even more easily picture Travis doing that.

“Anyway, after that, we kept in touch. He helped me hire a new team and has checked in every now and then.” He turned to me. “Your brother is a good man.”

“I know,” I agreed with a smile.

“And hot as hell,” Brad added, fanning himself theatrically.

I rolled my eyes. “No comment.”

We stayed up far too late talking, but time and cocktails got away from us.

“Night, honey.” He smiled as I headed for my room and he climbed the stairs.

“Night.” I smiled, feeling lighter than I had in days.

****

I woke up to the feeling of being watched. I opened my eyes blearily and just barely held back a shriek as two large black eyes stared back at me, inches from my face.

“You are freakishly small. How’d you even get up here?” I mumbled, but lifted the covers, allowing Trixie to burrow closer.

I knew Brad had had an early flight; no doubt Trixie had sought out the next warm body to snuggle with.

I drifted back to sleep, shocked that a dog/rat could be such a good snuggle partner.

When I woke for good, Trixie was still nestled against my belly. I got out of bed and headed for the kitchen in search of coffee. She followed, making little noises that I assumed were supposed to sound like barks. “Nuh-uh.” I shook my head. “We’re going to practice this thing called walking while Brad’s out of town,” I told her sternly.

I sat at the bar picking at my breakfast, feeling overwhelmed and alone. Brad’s place felt so cavernous and foreign. That juxtaposed with everything that had happened in the last week had me grappling for a lifeline.

I picked my phone up, dialing before I changed my mind.

“Samantha, is that you?” my mother’s startled voice greeted me. She was surprised to hear from me, which wasn’t a shock since we rarely talked—despite my efforts to the contrary.

Just the sound of her voice had the back of my eyes pricking with unshed tears. She’d offered me so little comfort in my life, and yet my body still reacted to her voice as though she could soothe even the deepest wounds. “It’s me. How are you?”

“We’re fabulous!” she crowed. “We just arrived at the Grand Canyon. It’s so gorgeous here. Your father has already taken about a zillion pictures.” She laughed before continuing to prattle me with the details of their latest adventures.

I fought to get a word in edgewise. “Sounds fun,” I managed when she paused to take a breath. The desire to share anything of consequence with her was rapidly waning.

“How are you and your brother?” she asked breezily.

“We’re okay. Had a bit of an incident,” I hedged.

“An incident?” she asked distractedly. “Paul, just a minute, sweetheart. I’m talking to Sam,” I heard her tell my father. “Yes, Sam,” she emphasized, as though she needed to clarify her daughter’s name.

I rolled my eyes, pushing the cereal around in my bowl.

“It’s okay, Mom, everything’s great. You guys have fun.”

“Oh, okay, if you’re sure. Glad you called, sweetie. Talk soon!”

“Yeah,” I muttered.

My face flushed with embarrassment and disappointment. Why I had reached out at all was beyond me. I took a deep breath and instead picked up the phone to text someone who would actually come through for me.

Hey, traitor. Dinner tonight?

I felt better already as my text fired off to Caden. Truth be told, I’d already forgiven him for inviting Sid the other night. That didn’t mean I wasn’t going to fuck with him a little bit.

His response came back almost immediately.

I’ll make it up to you with my stellar company.

Right.

I’ll be even more entertaining if there’s something other than a paleo meal in my belly. CARBS PULLLLEASE.

I laughed out loud. Obviously, Cade had been spending a lot of time with Sid, who was meticulous about his diet. Cade’s favorite was spaghetti. It didn’t get much easier, but he loved it.

Done.

And just like that I was reminded that sometimes friends were better family than blood could ever be.

****

“Is that a dog?” Cade exclaimed when he arrived at my temporary place later that night.

“I think so.” I shrugged with a smile, offering him a beer. “She’s used to being held, but I’m making her walk a bit.”

“Uh, right.” He chortled. “This place is crazy,” he marveled, looking up at the ceiling and surrounding opulence.